Peak District Boundary Walk Guided Trail

The Peak District Boundary Walk is a new long distance trail encompassing the entire Peak District National Park. Envisioned by The Friends of The Peak District, the walk is an exhilarating celebration of our First National Park. Throughout its journey it displays a wonderful mix of Peak District landscapes – crags, cloughs, moors and dales together with working landscapes, woodland and heritage.

Descending to Coldwall Bridge we are at the Southernmost point of the entire Boundary Walk. We turn upstream to the fascinating village of Ilam and cross the Manifold river to ascend the steep flank of Musden Low. Passing through Calton village we descend into the Hamps Valley and follow the trail to the settlement of Waterhouses veering North we end the day in the picturesque hamlet of Waterfall.

8 miles (13km) with 1,100 feet (340m) of ascent.

From Waterfall we head North West into the upper Hamps Valley and the hamlet of Ford. On to Onecote and its lovely grade 2 listed Church to gradually ascend for our first taste of the Staffordshire Moorlands on The Morridge. Our elevation gives glorious views across to the Roaches and beyond before descending the moor to reach the reservoir.

11½ miles (18.5km) with 1,100 feet (340m) of ascent

The 5 clouds of the Roaches escarpment provides a fine backdrop as we pass over the reservoir to Meerbrook village and ascend the slopes of Gun hill. Over the top and in and out of the lovely Dane Valley and into the equally lovely Greasley Hollow. From there we turn North East crossing some undulating moorland to drop into the steep sided Clough Brook Valley and on to finish in Wildboarclough.

10 miles (16km) with 1,150 feet (360m) of ascent.

An ascent of Shutlingsloe ‘The Cheshire Matterhorn’ giving fine views to Axe Edge along the summit ridge before descending to the tree lined reservoirs in the Macclesfield Forest. Picking up the Gritstone Trail we enter Tegg's Nose Country Park with it's industrial heritage and sweeping views. Heading North towards Rainow we ascend the splendid little ridge of The Saddle of Kerridge up to the viewpoint of ‘White Nancy’ and dropping quickly to finish in Bollington.

8½ miles (13½ km) with 1,550ft (480m) of ascent.

Leaving Bollington via the beautifully named Pott Shrigley we cross little Bakestonedale Moor and descend briefly to the Macclesfield Canal. Here we ‘turn the corner' of the boundary and enter the stunning Lyme Park with it's centrepiece the magnificent Lyme House. Leaving the park via Whaley Moor we desecend to the historic transport hub of Whaley Bridge ‘Gateway to The Goyt Valley’.

9½ miles (15.5km) with 1,350ft (420m) of ascent.

Our last leg takes us into the Goyt Valley beneath the iconic ridge of Windgather Rocks, Pym’s Chair and Shining Tor. Crossing between the Fernilee and Errwood reservoirs we ascend the glorious Wild Moor accompanied by the cry of the Curlew. Tremendous panoramic views open out as we begin our final long descent to the Victorian splendour of Buxton. (Perchance to the King’s Head Pub – birthplace of The Peak District Boundary Walk).

9 miles (15km) with 1,200 feet (380m) of ascent.

The Peveril of the Peak

The Peveril of the Peak, named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel, stands proudly in the Peak District countryside, close to the village of Thorpe. Backed by the cone of Thorpe Cloud, which guards the entrance to Dovedale Gorge and the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the gorge, it’s an ideal base for people hoping to explore the Derbyshire countryside. Surrounded by extensive grounds and rolling countryside, it’s a picturesque retreat with 46 rooms, large shared spaces and a pleasant bar. Stride out from the house to find Dovedale’s wooded ravine, cave-like Dove Holes and of course stepping stones. Upstream lie the heights nicknamed the Dovedale Castle and the Twelve Apostles, best viewed from the grassy spur called Lovers’ Leap. While the Peak bit of the area name refers to small English hills rather than great summits, there’s superb walking to be had on the Roaches and the gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge, while Chatsworth, Tissington and Bakewell make attractive places to explore too.

Rooms

Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi

Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house. With 46 rooms, Peveril of the Peak has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good and Better Rooms to choose from. Room 2 on the ground floor (accessible via 7 steps down from reception) is spacious and attractively styled with a door opening on to the grounds while the Chatsworth Room has a four-poster bed to recline on.

All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.

Facilities

After a day delving into the Dovedale Gorge or exploring the Peak District, return to the house. Relax on the patio with a coffee or cold drink and soak up the wide-ranging countryside views. Take a turn through the garden and look out for the small canon on one of the lawns. Make your way inside to sit comfortably in the lounge where there’s a stash of wood and a log burner for those colder days or snag a seat in the bar with your fellow guests and sip a great local ale by the large windows.

Food & Drink

As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Peveril of the Peak is varied and tasty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of regional flavours that might include venison sausage and Derbyshire oatcake, roast rump of Chatsworth lamb and a homemade Bakewell tart with a scoop of decadent Peak Dairy cherry Bakewell ice cream.

What to Bring

Essential Equipment

To enjoy walking/hiking comfortably and safely, footwear, clothing and equipment needs to be suitable for the conditions. Safety is our priority and Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Footwear with a good grip on the sole (e.g.Vibram sole) is the key to avoiding accidents

Walking/hiking boots providing ankle support and good grip are recommended (ideally worn in), and specialist walking socks to avoid blisters

Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed, are better than a single layer (include spares)

Fabrics (lightweight and fast drying) designed for the outdoors are recommended